Pinkies Up: 5 Spots for Royal High Tea

Our local English pubs aren't the only ones getting into Royal Wedding spirit--some local teahouses wouldn't miss the chance to serve tea and crumpets for the big day. Here's where to watch and toast Prince William and Kate Middleton:

1.The Tudor House, Santa Monica's spot for all things British, will celebrate the nuptials all weekend long with a special lunch menu--avocado-stuffed shrimp, finger sandwiches, assorted canapés, scones with clotted cream and peach preserves, profiteroles, and of course Champagne. Cost is $21.95 per person, and it's available through Sunday. If you missed the wedding, it will be looped on big screen TVs in the dining room. 1403 2nd St., Santa Monica; (310) 451-4107

Watch the Royal Wedding on KCET!

KCET will air the Royal Wedding live at 12 a.m. on Friday, April 29th. It will be aired again at 10:30 a.m. More info here.

2. Pasadena's Rose Tree Cottage has been a British epicenter for more than 30 years, and they're going all out for the nuptials of Will and Kate. Reserve a space in the main tea room, the Regency Room or the Safari Pavilion for the special tea service and wedding viewing on Friday and Saturday (1 and 4 p.m. both days), complete with fancy hat competition. Proceeds go to Bloom Where Planted, the Cottage's charitable African foundation (the tie-in: the happy couple got engaged in Kenya). You can also pick up all sorts of accessories in the gift shop for your own private viewing party. $50 per person. 801 S. Pasadena Ave., Pasadena; (626) 793-3337

3. Go for the five-course high tea at High Tea Cottage in Woodland Hills, and not only do you get tea and all the trimmings but also a commemorative china tea cup and saucer ($65). A three-course Queen's Tea is also offered ($28). Seatings for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are at 10 a.m., and 1 and 4 p.m., and pre-paid reservations are required. The wedding will be aired on TV during service. 21938 Costanso St., Woodland Hills; (818) 887-2117

4. There won't be a viewing of the Royal Wedding at Paddington's Tea Room, but if the Beverly Hills spot is good enough for various members of the Royal Family, it's good enough for you Anglophiles. Both high tea ($39) and afternoon tea ($29) are served daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. 355 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 652-0624

5.The Boxwood Cafe at the London West Hollywood Hotel might not be as frilly as the British tea houses, but it is still decidedly British--it's Gordon Ramsay's café, after all. Get traditional afternoon tea service any day of the week with finger sandwiches (smoked salmon and cucumber, curried chicken with golden raisins, and roast beef with red-onion marmalade), fresh-baked scones, pastries fit for a princess (including ginger-candied wedding cake), and a Champagne toast. Afternoon tea is $28 per person ($40 with Champagne). On Friday, the London Bar will show the wedding beginning at 7 a.m. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 358-7788